IBM has announced that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is examining the way it booked revenue in 2000 and 2001, adding it to the growing crowd of technology companies to find itself under SEC scrutiny. The company said it has been notified that the SEC has launched a formal investigation into "certain types of customer transactions" dating from those two years. "IBM believes that its business and accounting policies comply with all applicable regulations and is committed to maintaining the highest standards of compliance relating to its financial reporting," the company said in a statement, adding that it will cooperate fully with the SEC's investigators. IBM said it believes the inquiry arose from a separate probe into a customer of its Retail Store Solutions unit, which markets and sells point-of-sale products, such as kiosks and cash registers. Last year, the SEC investigated the way IBM accounted for $300 million worth of proceeds from the sale of a business unit to JDS Uniphase; the investigation closed without action being taken.

Two recent reports paint starkly different pictures of the connectedness of the average U.S. resident. The first, released by Technology Futures, reports that in 2003, the proportion of American households using broadband of some kind is expected to surpass 20%.  On the other hand, a report published by the Pew Internet & American Life Project indicates the digital divide is still a concern with 25% of U.S. residents still not using the Internet at all.  A number of signs suggest that broadband connections both increase the volume of goods sold and provide for more informed consumer purchasing behavior. There has been increasingly rapid growth in online retail in recent months and Forrester Research is expecting a 26%  jump in overall e-sales this year.  Amazon.com recently reported that quarterly sales increased to $1.084 billion, a jump of 28% over a year ago.  The most obvious factor in today's faster e-business growth is simply time spent online. Shoppers with permanent connections are now combining online research with offline store checks and they are visiting more stores while online. With an always-on connection, people don't feel they have to get right off the line, and they're willing to look at more screens of information and increase the average time spent researching a product. Surveys show that low-risk goods with an impulse factor, such as books and DVDs, benefit because shopping is less of an event when connectivity is instantaneous.

PDA maker Palm recently purchased much smaller Handspring, ending one of the fiercest rivalries of the tech boom amid a shifting market for the devices. Palm and Handspring pioneered the personal digital assistant market, at one point controlling 69% of it. But they've lost ground to bigger and new rivals, including PC makers Hewlett-Packard and Dell and cell phone maker Nokia.  Palm bought Handspring largely for its popular Treo PDA/cell phones, which it will market as its own. 

Insurance provider Direct Line plans to introduce web services technology that uses artificial intelligence to increase the number of customers transacting online. The company, which sells a range of financial services including home and motor insurance, loans and mortgages, is looking to increase its online sales by offering users a more intuitive web site. If potential customers are asking for a quote online and have a query about the service or the product, they have to stop their application and phone for assistance but the new system will allow users to ask questions through the web site while they are completing online transactions. The company has developed a knowledge base resulting form an extensive list of around 500 questions that customers ask and expects to answer 85% of customer questions when the system goes live in the next couple of weeks. 

E-COMMERCE RELATED EVENTS AND INFORMATION

The following are links to upcoming seminars and other events that our readers might have an interest in and/or other information related to e-commerce.  

Energy & Environmental Management: Tools For Manufacturers
Dixon University Center, Harrisburg

Directions, registration and cost information is available in the attached pdf or go online to http://www.mantec.org and click on events.

AGENDA
8:00-8:30 am Energy Registration
Administration Building, Main Conference Room

8:30-11:30 am Energy Management
The Energy Scene and Resource Options for Industry
Derek James, Environmental Assistance Program
PA Small Business Development Center

Managing Your Energy Infrastructure and Equipment Needs
Steven King and Thomas Groscup, Orion Technical Services
Proven methods and real world examples of how plant electrical system design and maintenance practices affect reliability, productivity and safety.

Energy Star: An EPA Program to Manage Energy That Helps The Environment
Mindee Osno, EPA Region III
This successful federal program combines energy management with environmental stewardship and resource conservation.

Registration For Energy Sessions includes Luncheon and Keynote
11:30 am-12:00 noon Environmental Registration
Administration Building, outside of Main Conference Room
11:30 am Buffet Luncheon
Served in the Atrium for all registered attendees

12:00 noon Keynote Address
Ms. Kathleen McGinty, Acting Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

12:30-4:30 pm Environmental Management
Are You Earning A Return On Your Environmental Performance?
Marie Holman, EPA Region III, Environmental Assessment & Innovation Div.,
EPA's Performance Track Program and the benefits of participation.

Latest Updates on PA's Environmental Regulations and Policies
Eric Thumma, Deputy Secretary, PA Department of Environmental Protection
A Systems Approach to Industrial Waste Water Management:
A Best Practices Case Study
Bruce Ketrick, Guardian CSC

Sustainable Manufacturing
Warren Weaver, Senior Technical Specialist PENNTAP
How to minimize input and wastes to maximize saleable products.

COSTS: $95/ Attendee for the whole day; $65/attendee for either half, which includes lunch and the keynote address

MANTEC Website: http://www.mantec.org  
 

PROCUREMENT AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

The following is a listing of recently published technology procurement or Federally funded opportunities with various governmental entities.  We hope our readers take the opportunity to investigate these postings and increase their business:

GSA
Federal Supply Service (FSS)
Information Technology Acquisition Center  (FCI)
70 -- Multiple Award Schedule 70 General Purpose Commercial Information Technology Equipment, Software and Services Solicitation 01, Synopsis http://www.eps.gov/spg/GSA/FSS/FCI/FCIS%2DJB%2D980001B/listing.html

DISA
Acquisition Directorate
DITCO-Scott
D--INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES, INCLUDING COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES Synopsis http://www.eps.gov/spg/DISA/D4AD/DITCO/VARIOUS%2D12%2DMay%2D2003/listing.html

DHS-DR
United States Coast Guard (USCG)
Commanding Officer (a-3), Headquarters Support Command
99 -- Equipment and the associated installation for an integrated audio/video teleconference and computer system Solicitation 01, Synopsis http://www.eps.gov/spg/DHS%2DDR/USCG/
COA3HSC/DTCGG8%2D03%2DQ%2DHCB007/listing.html

DHS-DR
United States Coast Guard (USCG)
Commander,  USCG Telecommunication & Information Systems Command 70 -- Software Licenses w/Maintenance Synopsis http://www.eps.gov/spg/DHS%2DDR/USCG/CISCUSCGISC/
Reference%2DNumber%2D03%2DP3144/listing.html

DISA
Acquisition Directorate
DITCO-Scott
D--INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES, INCLUDING COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES Synopsis http://www.eps.gov/spg/DISA/D4AD/DITCO/VARIOUS%2D16%2DMay%2D2003/listing.html

State
Diplomatic Telecommunications Service Program Office Acquisitions D -- VSAT Replacement Parts Synopsis http://www.eps.gov/spg/State/DTSPO/AD%2DACQ/
S%2DDTSPO%2D03%2DQ%2D0043/listing.html
Source:  www.eps.gov

 
Federal Funding Opportunities

Department of Defense (DoD)
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Rome Research Site has a requirement to develop Information Support Server Environment (ISSE) Guard software and conduct system support for the Air Force Command and Control Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Center and the DoDIIS community. The scope of this effort is to provide engineering and technical expertise to include: requirements definition and analysis, systems engineering, software development, integration, quality control, familiarization, integration and interoperability testing, security analysis and implementation, and on-site installation, configuration, accreditation testing, familiarization, and maintenance. An indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract with cost-plus-fixed-fee completion type orders is contemplated, with an ordering period of 60 months. The maximum contemplated ordering amount is expected to be approximately $30.5 million. The prime contractor and system integrators for this contract must have Top Secret SCI security clearances. All responsible sources may submit a proposal. A draft Request for Proposal (RFP) will be issued for review and comment by potential offerors on or about June 2, 2003, on FedBizOpps. Potential offerors are encouraged to submit comments and questions regarding the draft RFP by June 18, 2003, to Joseph.Facciolo@rl.af.mil. More information is available at: http://www.eps.gov/spg/USAF/AFMC/AFRLRRS/F30602-03-R-0029/listing.html

The AFRL Directed Energy Contracting Directorate is seeking interested parties to submit a statement of capability (SOC) pertaining to follow-on work on the Applications of Lidar for Vehicles with Analysis Program. The follow-on work will have a period of performance of five years and a contract ceiling of $49 million. The anticipated contract type will be a cost-plus-fixed-fee instrument. The goal of this effort is to establish a technology base for and initial field demonstrations of advanced sensor systems suitable for airborne, unmanned aerial vehicles and space-borne missions and upgrade to Maui Space Surveillance Site imaging capabilities. Interested parties must be able to demonstrate their ability to manage a broad-based support effort in five technology areas listed in the announcement and have, or are capable of obtaining, a SECRET Facility Clearance. Based upon responses to this announcement, the government may elect to set aside this acquisition for small businesses, qualifying 8(a) businesses, or historically black colleges, universities and minority institutions. All interested parties are requested to submit an SOC by June 23, 2003. More information is available at: http://www.eps.gov/spg/USAF/AFMC/AFRLPLDED/F29601-03-R-0003/listing.html

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is soliciting proposals to develop and demonstrate revolutionary concepts in broadband, high dynamic range adaptable Analog-to-Digital (A/D) converters capable to adjust in real-time to rapidly changing signal characteristics. Of high interest are those approaches that could take advantage of recent breakthroughs in device technologies, integration techniques, and design tools and methodologies that enable innovative component architectures leading to the realization of highly adaptable, highly integrated A/D converters or Intelligent Mixed-signal Microsystems (IMMSTs). This effort has three phases. Phase I will have a maximum duration of eighteen months. Multiple awards are anticipated. All responsible sources capable of satisfying the government's needs may submit a proposal. Teaming between industries, universities or federal and national laboratories with complementary areas of expertise is strongly encouraged. Proposals are due July 8, 2003. More information is available at: http://www.eps.gov/spg/ODA/DARPA/CMO/BAA03-28/listing.html

The U.S. Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center is soliciting proposals to conduct engineering studies to enhance the ability of small units, and individual dismounted soldiers, to conduct Precision Urban Combat. The proposal should be in the form of white paper that will describe how the contractor will investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of applying advanced technologies to achieve precision in targeting, aiming and engaging targets in an urban combat situation. This is a two-phase effort. Approximately $25,000 will be awarded for each white paper accepted to progress into Phase II. Five awards are anticipated. More information is available at: http://www.eps.gov/spg/USA/USAMC/DAAE30/DAAE30-03-BAA-0200/listing.html

The U.S. Army Research Office (ARO) and the Advanced Research and Development Activity (ARDA) jointly invite proposals for funding research in Experimental and Theoretical Development of Quantum Computers. Proposals are sought in four categories: (1) quantum computing concept maturation; (2) short-term, innovative concept; (3) quantum algorithm; and (4) quantum computing graduate research fellows, which are three-year fellowships for graduate students who are U.S. citizens working on quantum computing for investigators funded through the ARO/ARDA quantum computing program. A total of at least $2.5 million per year is available under this solicitation. Multiple one- to four-year awards are anticipated. Informal white papers are strongly encouraged and are due by July 1, 2003. Degree-granting universities, nonprofit organizations or industrial concerns may submit proposals, which are due by October 7, 2003. Electronic submission is required. More information on this broad agency announcement (No. DAAD19-03-R-0011) is available at: http://www.aro.army.mil/research/index.htm

NASA
Eligible small businesses are invited to submit proposals in response to the NASA 2003 SBIR and STTR solicitations. Technical topics and subtopics support the NASA strategic enterprises of aerospace technology, space flight, earth science, space science, and biological and physical research. Phase I STTR proposals must be jointly developed by a small business concern and a research institution with not less than 40 percent of the work being performed by the small business as the prime contractor and not less than 30 percent being performed by the research institution. To participate, firms must have Internet access and an e-mail address. NASA will issue the combined STTR/SBIR solicitation on July 7, 2003; proposals are due September 9, 2003. The SBIR solicitation announcement is available at the link below. To access the STTR solicitation, replace "105862" with "105953." http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/eps/synopsis.cgi?acqid=105862

National Institutes of Health (NIH)
National Center for Research Resources (NCRR) is reissuing the High End Instrumentation Program in recognition of the need for and advantages of continuing investment in new instrumentation for the advancement of biomedical research. Awards will be made for up to a maximum of $2 million in direct costs for a single major item of equipment. Instruments in this category include, but are not limited to, structural and functional imaging systems, macromolecular NMR spectrometers, high-resolution mass spectrometers, electron microscopes, and supercomputers. NCRR intends to commit approximately $22 million in FY 2004 to fund approximately 11-16 new grants. Nonprofit organizations, public or private institutions (e.g. universities, colleges and hospitals) and domestic institutions are eligible to apply. Optional letters of intent are due August 15, 2003; applications are due September 19, 2003. More information is available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-RR-03-009.html

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) solicits novel research integrating genetics, behavior and aging. Human and non-human studies are needed to advance understanding genetic and environmental influences and processes affecting variability in behavior and its functional sequelae with age. This includes studies that help elucidate the relationships of levels and change in behavior to health, functional competence, and quality of life of older adults. NIA intends to commit at least $2 million for an initial round of funding in FY 2004. An applicant may request a project period of up to five years. Eligible are for-profit or nonprofit organizations; public or private institutions, such as universities, colleges, hospitals and laboratories; units of state and local governments; eligible agencies of the federal government; and domestic or foreign institutions. Applications will be accepted at the standard application deadlines, which are available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/dates.htm. More information is available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAS-03-128.html

Foundation Funding Opportunities

L’Oréal USA
The L’Oréal-Unesco for Women in Science U.S. Fellowship will award five grants of $20,000 each to graduate students and postdoctoral researchers who are pursuing studies and research in the natural sciences, engineering, computer science and mathematics. The grants will be offered for one-year terms only; however, candidates may attain matching grants or supplemental fellowship grants. Only women in their third or fourth year of graduate studies, enrolled in a doctoral program leading to a Ph.D. or Sc.D., and postdoctoral researchers are eligible to apply. Graduate students and postdoctoral applicants must be planning to pursue their field of study or advanced research at a nonprofit institution in the U.S. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens, or plan to become citizens by the time the awards are announced. Applications are due by November 1, 2003. More information is available at: http://www.lorealusa.com/fwis/fwis_home.aspx

Source:  SSTI Weekly, State Science & Technology Institute, 5015 Pine Creek Drive, Westerville, Ohio  43081 , Phone: (614) 901-1690     Fax: (614) 901-1696 
Email: ssti@ssti.org     Website: http://www.ssti.o